LONDON/STARNBERG, July 13, 2024
Barbora Krejcikova withstood a determined effort from Jasmine Paolini in a thrilling Wimbledon final to secure her second Grand Slam singles title.
The 31st seed followed 2023 champion Marketa Vondrousova, achieving back-to-back victories for the Czech Republic in the women’s singles at SW19.
Krejcikova, who won the French Open at Roland Garros in 2021, raised her arms in triumph as she clinched a 6-2, 2-6, 6-4 win on her third championship point on Saturday. She hit 28 winners and broke her opponent’s serve three times to prevail after one hour and 58 minutes.
The moment a dream became reality ✨#Wimbledon | @BKrejcikova pic.twitter.com/38xPz9pCin
— Wimbledon (@Wimbledon) July 13, 2024
“I don’t have any words right now, it’s just unbelievable, it’s definitely the best day of my tennis career and also the best day of my life,” said Krejcikova.
“It’s super difficult to explain what I’m feeling right now. I would like to congratulate Jasmine and her team, she had great two weeks, it was a great final and we were fighting for every point.
“At the end I was the lucky one but it has been amazing what she’s been able to achieve in just a short period, so again congratulations.”
On what it means to the Czech Republic to have another Wimbledon champion, the Brno native added: “I think nobody believes it that I got to the final and nobody believes that I won Wimbledon. I still can’t believe it.
“Two weeks ago I had a very tough match, and I wasn’t in good shape before that because I was injured and ill. I didn’t really have a good beginning to the season. It’s unbelievable I’m stood here now and I’ve won Wimbledon. I have no idea [how it happened].”
Paolini was bidding to become Italy’s first women’s singles champion at Wimbledon.“The last two months have been crazy for me. I want to thank my team, my family. They always support me and I wouldn’t be here without them. The crowd have been amazing. I received a lot of support. Just incredible to feel the love from them, I enjoy it so much,” the 28-year-old said during the on-court ceremony.
“Today I am a little bit sad. I try to keep smiling because I have to remember today is still a good day, I made the final of Wimbledon. I remember as a kid watching the final and cheering for Federer I have to say. It’s been a beautiful two weeks and I want to thank everyone who made it possible. The ball kids, the LTA. I’ll forget someone but please don’t be mad at me.”
